Snowmobile

ABSTRACT

A snowmobile comprises a chassis with a front portion and a tunnel, and a power train unit supported by the chassis. The snowmobile further includes a plurality of ground-engaging members cooperating with the power train unit to operate the snowmobile. The plurality of ground-engaging members includes a pair of front skis and an endless track assembly. The snowmobile also includes a front suspension operably coupled to the pair of front skis. The snowmobile also includes a rear suspension operably coupled to the track. The rear suspension includes slide rails and track sliders for engaging the track. The track sliders are comprised of a first and second retention members for coupling with the slide rail. The retention members are comprised of a plurality of recesses where material is removed for light weighting.

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 62/615,786 filed Jan. 10, 2018 (Attorney Docket No. 28184.01P),the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a slider for a tracked vehicle and,more particularly, to a slider optimized to reduce weight of asnowmobile or other tracked vehicle.

Generally, snowmobiles are available for various applications such asdeep snow, high performance, luxury touring, and trail riding, forexample. Regardless of the application, certain structural componentsare common to many snowmobiles. For example, snowmobiles typicallyinclude a frame, a track assembly, a power train, skis, and at least onesuspension system, as are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 8,490,731, issuedon Jul. 23, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-22547.03P-01), U.S. Pat.No. 9,446,810, issued on Sep. 20, 2016 (Attorney Docket No.PLR-01-24321.03P-US), U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,898, issued on Apr. 8, 2008(Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-763.01P), and U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/513,949, filed on Aug. 1, 2011 (Attorney Docket No.PLR-01-24987.01P), the complete disclosures of which are expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

One common area for snowmobiles generally relates to the overallarchitecture, where a frame includes a tunnel and a front chassisportion which retains the power train, and a front suspension thatmounts skis to the frame. A drive shaft is typically mounted to thefront chassis portion and includes drive sprockets for powering thetrack. A chain case is also typically provided to transfer power from anengine or CVT to the drive shaft. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No.7,694,768 which shows a typical snowmobile drivetrain with a drive shaftand an upper jack shaft that drives the drive sprockets through thechain case, the subject matter of which is expressly incorporated hereinby reference.

In the case of mountain or deep snow snowmobiles, one commoncharacteristic is to provide an elongated track to provide a longerfootprint for the track, and a lower pressure for the snowmobile forflotation in deep snow. An elongated tunnel is also provided to coverthe extended track. A front body typically surrounds at least the frontframe portion to enclose the engine and other mechanical components.Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,920, issued on Jan. 18, 2011(Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-1706.02P) and to U.S. Pat. No. 9,446,810(Attorney Docket PLR-01-24321.02P) both of which show deep snowsnowmobiles, the subject matter of each being expressly incorporatedherein by reference. A present version of a snowmobile frame for deepsnow is shown in FIG. 1.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, atrack slider for engaging an endless track on a snowmobile comprises aslide surface with a slide surface width and a first retention membercoupled to the slide surface. The track slider further comprises asecond retention member coupled to the slide surface and the secondretention member is located opposite a longitudinal centerline of thetrack slider from the first retention member. The track slider furthercomprises a third retention member coupled to the slide surface and. Thefirst retention member is spaced apart longitudinally by at least onefourth of the slide surface width from the third retention member.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,a track slider for engaging an endless track on a snowmobile comprises aslide surface with a slide surface length and a slide surface width. Thetrack slider further comprises a first retention side coupled to theslide surface with a first cumulative retention length, and a secondretention side coupled to the slide surface with a second cumulativeretention length. The first cumulative retention length is shorter thanthe slide surface by at least the slide surface width.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,a track slider for engaging an endless track on a snowmobile comprises aslide surface with a slide surface length and a slide surface widthconfigured to engage a track. The track slider further comprises alongitudinal centerline of the track slider and a plurality of retentionmembers coupled to the slide surface and configured to couple the trackslider to a snowmobile rail. The slide surface length is longer than acumulative length of the retention members by at least the slide surfacewidth.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,a method of producing a track slider for a snowmobile comprises forminga slide surface and at least one retention member of the track slider.The track slider further comprises forming a recess in a portion of aretention member and maintaining a configuration of the slide surface asformed during the forming step.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,a track slider for engaging an endless track and a slide rail of asnowmobile comprises a first surface configured to engage the endlesstrack with a width and a second surface configured to engage the sliderail. The track slider further comprises a plurality of retentionportions with a generally vertical orientation relative to the firstsurface and a plurality of recessed portions positioned intermediateadjacent retention portions. The recessed portions are located on amiddle portion of the track slider.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,a track slider for engaging an endless track and a slide rail of asnowmobile comprises a first surface configured to engage the endlesstrack and a second surface configured to engage the slide rail andextending between a lowermost surface and an upper most surface. Thetrack slider further comprises a plurality of recesses defined in thesecond surface intermediate the lowermost and uppermost surfaces of thesecond surface, and each of the plurality of recesses includes a lengthextending longitudinally, a width extending laterally, and a heightextending vertically. The length is at least as great as the height andthe width.

According to yet another illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a track slider for engaging an endless track and a sliderail of a snowmobile comprises a first surface configured to engage theendless track, a second surface configured to engage the slide rail andincluding a retention portion with a generally vertical orientationrelative to the first surface. The track slider further comprises athird surface generally parallel to the first surface and configured toengage the slide rail. The third surface includes at least a firstrecessed portion positioned intermediate the third and first surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the intended advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of asnowmobile;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the right hand side of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view showing the suspension system removedfrom the tunnel;

FIG. 5 is a portion of an endless track of the snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a track sliderof the snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 6, taken along Section line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 6, taken along Section line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 9, taken along Section line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 9, taken along Section line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 12, taken along Section line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 12, taken along Section line 14-14 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 15, taken along Section line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 15, taken along Section line 17-17 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 18, taken along Section line 19-19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 19, taken along Section line 20-20 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider;

FIG. 22 is a rear view of the track slider of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider;

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the track slider of FIG. 23; and

FIG. 25 is a flow chart for an illustrative method of manufacturing atrack slider.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the drawings representembodiments of various features and components according to the presentdisclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certainfeatures may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explainthe present disclosure. The exemplifications set out herein illustrateembodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to beconstrued as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed beloware not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the preciseform disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, theembodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the artmay utilize their teachings. For example, while the followingdescription refers primarily to a snowmobile, it should be understoodthat the principles of the invention apply equally to other snowvehicles or off road vehicles. While the present invention primarilyinvolves a snowmobile, it should be understood, however, that theinvention may have application to other types of vehicles, such asmotorcycles, ATVs, utility vehicles, scooters, and mopeds.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, one illustrative embodiment of a snowmobile 10is shown. Snowmobile 10 includes a frame 12, supported by front skis 14and by track assembly 16. Front skis are coupled to a front suspension18, and track assembly is supported by a rear suspension 20. Snowmobile10 also includes a seat assembly 22, front outer body 24, and a steeringassembly 26. Steering assembly 26 is operably coupled to steering arms28 (FIG. 2) which allows a rider to steer snowmobile 10. A power trainis covered by outer body 24 and provides power to track assembly 16.Running board assemblies 32 extend along the sides of the seat assemblywhich are supported by the frame 12. A snow flap 34 (FIG. 2) is alsosupported by the frame rearward of the track. In one embodiment, one ormore of the ground-engaging members 14 may be replaced with tracks, suchas the Prospector II Tracks available from Polaris Industries Inc.,located at 2100 Highway 55 in Medina, Minn. 55340, or non-pneumatictires, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,957 (Attorney DocketPLR-09-25371.01P) and U.S. Pat. No. 8,104,524 (Attorney DocketPLR-09-25369.01P), the complete disclosures of which are expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, frame 12 includes a tunnel 40 having atop wall 42 and side walls 44. As shown best in FIG. 2, track 16 atleast partially runs up into tunnel 40 between side walls 44 andupwardly towards top wall 42. As shown, running board assemblies 32include a rider's foot grip assembly 50 (FIG. 3) and a foot treadassembly 52, where the foot grip assembly 50 and foot tread assembly 52are supported by the tunnel sidewall 44.

With reference now to FIG. 4, rear suspension 20 is shown removed fromthe tunnel 40, understanding that the rear suspension 20 is attached tothe underside of tunnel 40. Suspension 20 includes a frame 400 havinglaterally spaced frame rails 402 each with a track slider 404 attachedthereto. Suspension 20 includes two coil over shocks 406 and 408providing dampening between the tunnel 40 and frame 400. A track roller410 is mounted on the outside of the slide rail 402, and as shown, hasan outer radial surface 412 which extends beyond lower surface 414 ofslider 404. Track rollers 410 are located at a position proximate amaximum pressure point between the sliders 404 and track 16 (absent thetrack wheel) which allows the track a slight spacing between the sliders404 preventing substantial frictional heating. Suspension 20 alsoincludes idler rollers 420 and 422 which may be adjusted to tighten orloosen the track 16. Scratchers 426 are also provided on the side offrame 404 to break up crusted snow in order that the track 16 can throwsnow against the underside of tunnel 40 to facilitate cooling of thepower train, as the tunnel includes a heat exchanger for engine water.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the outer surface of endless track 16 includesa plurality of couplers 354 and a plurality of intermediate extensions355. Endless track 16 includes a plurality of tread layers 357 extendingin a circumferential direction. Each intermediate extension 355 issupported by a tread member 359 that is perpendicular to tread layers357. Couplers 354 and intermediate extensions 355 project outwardly fromtread layers 357 and tread members 359, respectively, to contact theground. As shown in FIG. 5, tread layers 357 intersect tread members 359to define a plurality of apertures 353. Apertures 353 provide a windowfor snow to enter and provide lubrication and cooling between the track16 and track slider 404. Slider 404 is made from an extrusion processand commonly made from a synthetic resin, in this embodiment it is madefrom Polyethylene, more specifically Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW)Polyethylene, other common materials for slider 404 include syntheticplastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon, andpolyurethane.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, track slider 404 will be described infurther detail. Slider 404 includes a slide surface 500 having a sliderwidth 526, height 528 and retention members 502, 504 which extend alonga longitudinal centerline L of slider 404 and are for operably couplingslider to rail 402. Retention members 502, 504 extend vertically fromslide surface 500, retention member 502 has an outermost part 510 andinner most part 508. In combination, slide surface 500 and retentionmembers 502, 504 define a slide XX therebetween, which is configured toreceive a portion of slide rail 402. In this way, track slider 404 isconfigured to engage or at least be positioned intermediate slide rail402 and track 16. In one embodiment retention members 502, 504 aresubstantially inverted T-shapes as shown in FIG. 7, however, anysuitably shaped slot may be used. Additionally, an upwardly extendingprotrusion such as a T-shaped protrusion may be used instead of or incombination with a slot to provide an attachment surface. Retentionmember 502 is located laterally across the longitudinal centerline L ofslider 404 from the retention member 504, such that retention member 502is positioned on a first lateral side of longitudinal centerline line Land retention member 504 is positioned on the opposing second lateralside of longitudinal centerline L. In this way, retention member 502 isconfigured to at least partially engage a first side of slide rail 402and retention member 504 is configured to at least partially engage theopposing second side of slide rail 402.

Slider 404 includes a plurality of recessed or notched portions 428, 430which reduce the material in locations where retention is not needed. Inthis embodiments of at least FIGS. 6-8, recesses 428, 430 removesubstantially the entire retention surface of a longitudinal section ofretention members 502, 504. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, recesses 428, 430extend vertically downward from an upper most surface 512 of trackslider 404 down to a lower most portion 514 of retention members 502,504, thus the recessed height 538 of the slider 404 in a recessedportion 428, 430 is substantially lower than other areas of the slider404 which include retention members 502, 504 extending between uppermostand lowermost surfaces 512, 514. Additionally, recessed portions 428,430 may extend to a higher point or lower to any portion above theusable slide surface 500 as indicated by the wear line 506, such thatrecessed portions 428, 430 may extend to a position lower than lowermostsurface 514 of retention members 502, 504 but above or at wear line 506.Recessed portions 428, 430 have a substantially trapezoidal shape whenviewed from the side and extend the entire width 526 of slider 404,however, any suitably shaped recess may be used. These recessed portions428, 430 help to reduce the weight of snowmobile 10. Illustratively thelength of the individual recessed portions 428, 430 is at least onefourth the slide surface width 526. In one embodiment, the length of theindividual recessed portions 428, 430 is substantially equal to theslide surface width 526. In other illustrative embodiments, the lengthof the individual recessed portions 428, 430 is greater than the slidesurface width 526. By increasing the length of the recessed portions itreduces more material of the slider 404 and further reduces the weightof snowmobile 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, slider 404 has a length 516 that extends from afront end 518 to a rear end 520 with middle portion 540. Each retentionmember 502, 504 has a cumulative length dimension 524, 522 respectivelywhich is the sum of the lengths of all the individual respectiveretention members 502, 504 on each side of slider 404. In this way, whenslider 404 includes recessed portions 428, 430, cumulative lengthdimension 524 is less than overall length 516; however, if slider 404does not include any recessed portions 428, 430, then cumulative lengthdimension 524 is substantially equal to overall length 516.Illustratively, cumulative length 524 is about fifty percent (50%) ofthe overall slider length dimension 516. In this way, this overall size,dimension, and configuration of slider 404 balances maintainingengagement to rail 402 with the light weighting feature provided by therecessed portion 428, 430. Because retention member 504 may be definedby a plurality of retention members, as shown in FIG. 6, the cumulativelength 524 of retention member 504 may be illustrated by the sum of eachindividual length dimensions 504 a, 504 b, 504 c . . . 504 n, forexample. In one embodiment, cumulative length 524 may be about fivepercent (5%) to about ninety-five percent (95%) of the overall lengthdimension 516 of the slider 404. In other illustrative embodiments, thelength dimension 504 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent(45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of theslider length dimension 404, for example.

Still referring to FIG. 6, retention member 504 may be substantiallyequal in length to recessed portion 428 and slider 404 may be configuredwith alternating repeating sections of retention members 504 andrecessed portions 428 (illustratively, retention members 504 a, 504 b,504 c . . . 504 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 428 a,428 b, 428 c . . . 428 n) along the longitudinal length 516 of slider404. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length of retention member504 does not equal the length of recessed portion 428, and thelongitudinal length of recessed portion 504 is shorter than that ofrecessed portion 428. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal lengthof retention member 504 does not equal that of recessed portion 428, andthe longitudinal length of retention member 504 is longer than that ofrecessed portion 428.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 6-8, second retentionmember 502 may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 430and slider 404 may be configured with alternating repeating sections ofretention members 502 and recessed portions 430 (illustratively,retention members 502 a, 502 b, 502 c . . . 502 n longitudinallyalternate with recessed portions 430 a, 430 b, 430 c . . . 430 n) alongthe longitudinal length 516 of slider 404. In another embodiment, thelongitudinal length of retention member 502 does not equal the length ofrecessed portion 430, and the longitudinal length of recessed portion502 is shorter than that of recessed portion 430. In yet anotherembodiment, the longitudinal length of retention member 502 does notequal that of recessed portion 430, and the longitudinal length ofretention member 502 is longer than that of recessed portion 430. In yetanother embodiment second retention member 502 may not have any recessedportions 430 as in FIGS. 9-11 which will be described in further detail.

Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on snowmobile 10 isshown in FIGS. 9-11. Slider 560 of FIG. 9 includes a front end 568, amiddle portion 582 and a rear end 570. Retention member 562 is locatedlaterally across the longitudinal centerline L of slider 560 from theretention member 564, such that retention member 562 is positioned on afirst lateral side of longitudinal centerline line L and retentionmember 564 is positioned on the opposing second lateral side oflongitudinal centerline L. Retention member 562 includes a laterallyrecessed or notched portion 590, on middle portion 582 of slider 560. Inthis embodiment, recessed portion 590 are only on one side oflongitudinal centerline L, as shown in the embodiment of slider 404(FIGS. 6-8) where recessed portions 428 and 430 are on both sides oflongitudinal centerline L. These recessed portions 590 help to reducethe weight of the entire snowmobile 10.

As shown in FIG. 9, slider 560 has a length 584 that extends from afront end 568 to a rear end 570. Retention member 562 has a cumulativelength dimension 592 which is the sum of the lengths of all theindividual respective retention members 562 on slider 560. In this way,when slider 560 includes recessed portions 590, cumulative lengthdimension 592 is less than overall length 584; however, if slider 560does not include any recessed portions 590, then cumulative lengthdimension 592 is substantially equal to overall length 584.Illustratively, cumulative length 592 is about fifty percent (50%) ofthe overall slider length dimension 584. In this way, this overall size,dimension, and configuration of slider 560 balances maintainingengagement to rail 402 with the light weighting feature provided by therecessed portion 590. Because retention member 562 may be defined by aplurality of retention members, as shown in FIG. 9, the cumulativelength 584 of retention member 590 may be illustrated by the sum of eachindividual length dimensions 590 a, 590 b, 590 c . . . 590 n, forexample. In one embodiment, cumulative length 592 may be about fivepercent (5%) to about ninety-five percent (95%) of the overall lengthdimension 584 of the slider 560. In other illustrative embodiments, thelength dimension 592 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent(45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of theslider length dimension 584, for example.

Still referring to FIG. 9, retention member 562 may be substantiallyequal in length to recessed portion 590 and slider 560 may be configuredwith alternating repeating sections of retention members 562 andrecessed portions 590 (illustratively, retention members 562 a, 562 b,562 c . . . 562 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 590 a,590 b, 590 c . . . 590 n) along the longitudinal length 584 of slider560. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length of retention member562 does not equal the length of recessed portion 590, and thelongitudinal length of recessed portion 562 is shorter than that ofrecessed portion 590. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal lengthof retention member 562 does not equal that of recessed portion 590, andthe longitudinal length of retention member 562 is longer than that ofrecessed portion 590.

Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on snowmobile 10 isshown in FIGS. 12-14. Slider 640 of FIG. 12 includes a front end 618, amiddle portion 632 and a rear end 620. Retention members 602 and 604 ofslider 640 each include a laterally recessed or notched portion 630 and628, respectively, on middle portion 632 of slider 640. In thisembodiment, recessed portion 630 and 628 are not substantially laterallyaligned along longitudinal centerline L, as shown in the embodiment ofslider 404 (FIGS. 6-8) where recessed portions 428 and 430 are laterallyaligned and positioned at the same longitudinal position as each other.In this embodiment, at least one of the plurality of retention members602 is substantially centered on recessed portion 628 such thatretention members 602 and recessed portions 628 are laterally aligned.These recessed portions 628, 630 help to reduce the weight of the entiresnowmobile 10 and may be manufactured using methods such as injectionmolding where tool slides would be allowed to slide laterally outwardly.

As shown in FIG. 12, slider 640 has a length 616 that extends from afront end 618 to a rear end 620. Each retention member 602, 604 has acumulative length dimension 624, 622 respectively which is the sum ofthe lengths of all the individual respective retention members 602, 604on each side of slider 640. In this way, when slider 640 includesrecessed portions 628, 630, cumulative length dimension 624, 622 is lessthan overall length 616; however, if slider 640 does not include anyrecessed portions 628, 630, then cumulative length dimension 624, 622 issubstantially equal to overall length 616. Illustratively, cumulativelength 624, 622 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overall sliderlength dimension 616. In this way, this overall size, dimension, andconfiguration of slider 640 balances maintaining engagement to rail 402with the light weighting feature provided by the recessed portion 628,630. Because retention member 604 may be defined by a plurality ofretention members, as shown in FIG. 12, the cumulative length 624 ofretention member 604 may be illustrated by the sum of each individuallength dimensions 604 a, 604 b, 604 c . . . 604 n, for example. In oneembodiment, cumulative length 624 may be about five percent (5%) toabout ninety-five percent (95%) of the overall length dimension 616 ofthe slider 640. In other illustrative embodiments, the length dimension604 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-fivepercent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of the slider lengthdimension 640, for example.

Still referring to FIG. 12, retention member 604 may be substantiallyequal in length to recessed portion 628 and slider 640 may be configuredwith alternating repeating sections of retention members 604 andrecessed portions 628 (illustratively, retention members 604 a, 604 b,604 c . . . 604 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 628 a,628 b, 628 c . . . 628 n) along the longitudinal length 616 of slider640. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length of retention member604 does not equal the length of recessed portion 628, and thelongitudinal length of recessed portion 604 is shorter than that ofrecessed portion 628. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal lengthof retention member 604 does not equal that of recessed portion 628, andthe longitudinal length of retention member 604 is longer than that ofrecessed portion 628.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 12-14, second retention member602 may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 630 andslider 640 may be configured with alternating repeating sections ofretention members 602 and recessed portions 630 (illustratively,retention members 602 a, 602 b, 602 c . . . 602 n longitudinallyalternate with recessed portions 630 a, 630 b, 630 c . . . 630 n) alongthe longitudinal length 616 of slider 640. In another embodiment, thelongitudinal length of retention member 602 does not equal the length ofrecessed portion 630, and the longitudinal length of recessed portion602 is shorter than that of recessed portion 630. In yet anotherembodiment, the longitudinal length of retention member 602 does notequal that of recessed portion 630, and the longitudinal length ofretention member 602 is longer than that of recessed portion 630. Inthis embodiment retention member 602 and recessed portion 628 aresubstantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L. Inother illustrative embodiments, retention member 602 and recessedportion 628 are not substantially laterally aligned along longitudinalcenterline L and only a portion of retention member 602 overlaps withrecessed portion 628.

Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on snowmobile 10 isshown in FIGS. 15-17. Slider 740 of FIG. 15 includes a front end 718, amiddle portion 732 and a rear end 720. Retention members 702 and 704 ofslider 740 each include a laterally recessed or notched portion 730 and728, respectively, on middle portion 732 of slider 740. In thisembodiment, recessed portion 728, 730 creates an aperture in slider 740leaving a portion of retention member 702, 704 extending above 728, 730,thus when viewed from the side a portion of rail 402 is viewable throughslider 740. In this embodiment recessed portion 730 is substantiallyoval shaped and extends from an outer edge towards a longitudinalcenterline of slider 740 and extend vertically downward from a positionbelow the upper most surface 712 of track slider 740 down to a lowermost portion 714 of retention members 702, 704. However, any suitablyshaped recess may be used. Additionally, recessed portions may extendlower to any portion above the usable slide surface 700 as indicated bythe wear line 706.

As shown in FIG. 15, slider 740 has a length 716 that extends from afront end 718 to a rear end 720. Each retention member 702, 704 has acumulative length dimension 724, 722 respectively which is the sum ofthe lengths of all the individual respective retention members 702, 704on each side of slider 740. In this way, when slider 740 includesrecessed portions 728, 730, cumulative length dimension 724, 722 is lessthan overall length 716; however, if slider 740 does not include anyrecessed portions 728, 730, then cumulative length dimension 724, 722 issubstantially equal to overall length 716. Illustratively, cumulativelength 724, 722 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overall sliderlength dimension 716. In this way, this overall size, dimension, andconfiguration of slider 740 balances maintaining engagement to rail 402with the light weighting feature provided by the recessed portion 728,730. Because retention member 704 may be defined by a plurality ofretention members, as shown in FIG. 12, the cumulative length 724 ofretention member 704 may be illustrated by the sum of each individuallength dimensions 704 a, 704 b, 704 c . . . 704 n, for example. In oneembodiment, cumulative length 724 may be about five percent (5%) toabout ninety-five percent (95%) of the overall length dimension 716 ofthe slider 740. In other illustrative embodiments, the length dimension704 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-fivepercent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of the slider lengthdimension 740, for example.

Still referring to FIG. 15, retention member 704 may be substantiallyequal in length to recessed portion 728 and slider 740 may be configuredwith alternating repeating sections of retention members 704 andrecessed portions 728 (illustratively, retention members 704 a, 704 b,704 c . . . 704 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 728 a,728 b, 728 c . . . 728 n) along the longitudinal length 717 of slider740. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length of retention member704 does not equal the length of recessed portion 728, and thelongitudinal length of recessed portion 704 is shorter than that ofrecessed portion 728. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal lengthof retention member 704 does not equal that of recessed portion 728, andthe longitudinal length of retention member 704 is longer than that ofrecessed portion 728.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 15, second retention member 702may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 730 and slider740 may be configured with alternating repeating sections of retentionmembers 702 and recessed portions 730 (illustratively, retention members702 a, 702 b, 702 c . . . 702 n longitudinally alternate with recessedportions 730 a, 730 b, 730 c . . . 730 n) along the longitudinal length716 of slider 740. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 702 does not equal the length of recessed portion 730,and the longitudinal length of recessed portion 702 is shorter than thatof recessed portion 730. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinallength of retention member 702 does not equal that of recessed portion730, and the longitudinal length of retention member 702 is longer thanthat of recessed portion 730. In this embodiment retention member 702and recessed portion 728 are substantially laterally aligned alonglongitudinal centerline L. In other illustrative embodiments, retentionmember 702 and recessed portion 728 are not substantially laterallyaligned along longitudinal centerline L and only a portion of retentionmember 702 overlaps with recessed portion 728.

Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on snowmobile 10 isshown in FIGS. 18-20. Slider 840 of FIG. 18 includes a front end 818, amiddle portion 832 and a rear end 820. Retention members 802 and 804 ofslider 840 each include a laterally recessed or notched portion 830 and828, respectively, on middle portion 832 of slider 840. In thisembodiment, recessed portion 828, 830 only removes a portion ofretention member 802, 804, leaving a portion of retention member 842,844 intact continuously down the length of slider 840. In thisembodiment recessed portion 828, 830 extends from an outer edge towardsa longitudinal centerline L of slider 840 and extends verticallydownward from a position at or below the upper most surface of trackslider 812 down to a lower most portion 814 of retention members 802,804. Additionally, recessed portions 828, 830 may extend lower to anyportion above the usable slide surface 800 as indicated by the wear line806.

As shown in FIG. 18, slider 840 has a length 816 that extends from afront end 818 to a rear end 820. Each retention member 802, 804 has acumulative length dimension 824, 822 respectively which is the sum ofthe lengths of all the non recessed individual respective retentionmembers on each side of slider 840. In this way, when slider 840includes recessed portions 828, 830, cumulative length dimension 824,822 is less than overall length 816; however, if slider 840 does notinclude any recessed portions 828, 830, then cumulative length dimension824, 822 is substantially equal to overall length 816. Illustratively,cumulative length 824, 822 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overallslider length dimension 816. In this way, this overall size, dimension,and configuration of slider 840 balances maintaining slider strengthwith the light weighting feature provided by the recessed portion 828,830. Because retention member 804 may be defined by a plurality ofretention members, as shown in FIG. 18, the cumulative length 824 ofretention member 804 may be illustrated by the sum of each individuallength dimensions 804 a, 804 b, 804 c . . . 804 n, for example. In oneembodiment, cumulative length 824 may be about five percent (5%) toabout ninety-five percent (95%) of the overall length dimension 816 ofthe slider 840. In other illustrative embodiments, the length dimension804 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-fivepercent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of the slider lengthdimension 840, for example.

Still referring to FIG. 18, retention member 804 may be substantiallyequal in length to recessed portion 828 and slider 840 may be configuredwith alternating repeating sections of retention members 804 andrecessed portions 828 (illustratively, retention members 804 a, 804 b,804 c . . . 804 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 828 a,828 b, 828 c . . . 828 n) along the longitudinal length 818 of slider840. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length of retention member804 does not equal the length of recessed portion 828, and thelongitudinal length of recessed portion 804 is shorter than that ofrecessed portion 828. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal lengthof retention member 804 does not equal that of recessed portion 828, andthe longitudinal length of retention member 804 is longer than that ofrecessed portion 828.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 18, second retention member 802may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 830 and slider840 may be configured with alternating repeating sections of retentionmembers 802 and recessed portions 830 (illustratively, retention members802 a, 802 b, 802 c . . . 802 n longitudinally alternate with recessedportions 830 a, 830 b, 830 c . . . 830 n) along the longitudinal length816 of slider 840. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 802 does not equal the length of recessed portion 830,and the longitudinal length of recessed portion 802 is shorter than thatof recessed portion 830. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinallength of retention member 802 does not equal that of recessed portion830, and the longitudinal length of retention member 802 is longer thanthat of recessed portion 830. In this embodiment retention member 802and recessed portion 828 are substantially laterally aligned alonglongitudinal centerline L. In other illustrative embodiments, retentionmember 802 and recessed portion 828 are not substantially laterallyaligned along longitudinal centerline L and none of or only a portion ofretention member 802 overlaps with recessed portion 828.

Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on snowmobile 10 isshown in FIGS. 21-22. Track slider 1040 will be described in furtherdetail. Slider 1040 includes a slide surface 1000, retention members1002, 1004 extend a longitudinal centerline L of slider 1040 and are foroperably coupling slider to rail 402. Retention members 1002, 1004extend vertically from slide surface 500 and inwardly towards centerlineL at as they extend upward slide surface 1000. Retention member 1002 islocated laterally across the longitudinal centerline L of slider 1004from the retention member 1004, such that retention member 1002 ispositioned on a first lateral side of longitudinal centerline line L andretention member 1004 is positioned on the opposing second lateral sideof longitudinal centerline L.

Slider 1040 includes a plurality of recessed or notched portions 1030which reduce the material in locations where support of the rail 402 isnot needed. These recessed 1030 portions help to reduce the weight ofsnowmobile 10. In this embodiment recesses 1030 remove of portion of asupport surface 1014 which engages the base of rail 402. Recesses 1030extend vertically downward from surface 1014 thus creating a gap or voidbetween slider 1040 and rail 402 when installed. Additionally, recessedportions 1030 may extend lower to any position above the usable slidesurface 1000 as indicated by the wear line 1006. Recessed portion 1030is defined by multiple recessed portions 1030 a, 1030 b, 1030 c whichform a substantially sinusoidal shape viewed from the end and extend theentire length of slider 1040, however, any suitable number and shape ofrecesses may be used. As discussed above, the recessed portion 1030extends the entire length of slider 1040. In other illustrativeembodiments, the recessed portion 1030 extends along only portion ofslider 1040 or has multiple repeating recessed portions down the lengthof slider 1040. Additional recessed portions 428, 430, 628, 630, 728,730, 828, 830, or single sided retention member 1204 may be used withthis invention.

Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on snowmobile 10 isshown in FIGS. 23 and 24. Slider 1240 of FIG. 23 includes front end1218, middle portion 1232 and rear end 1220. A retention member 1204 ofslider 1240 is located on a single side of a longitudinal center line onslider 1240. In this embodiment retention member 1204 extends the entirelength of slider 1240 but in other embodiments any of the recessedportions 428, 430, 628, 630, 728, 730, 828, 830, or 1030 may be usedwith this invention. In this embodiment the bottom rail engagementsurface 1214 extends from the longitudinal centerline of slider L to theouter edge 1260 as a continuous surface. In other embodiments the region1262 may have a lower surface than 1214 and may extend as low as wearline 1206.

As shown in FIG. 25 various embodiments of the invention also include amethod of manufacturing a slider 404. In some embodiments, the methodincludes a first step 1400 of forming a slide surface 500 and at least asingle retention member 502, 504 and a second step 1402 of removing aportion of a retention member 428, 430 and maintaining slide surface500. Step 1400 may include forming the slide surface and retentionmember in a molding process, such as injection molding or compressionmolding, machining slide surface and retention member from raw materialor bar stock, extruding the slide surface and retention member or anyother type of forming process configured to produce the configuration ofthe slide surface and retention member. Step 1402 may include removingan overlapping first portion and a second portion of the retentionmember. Step 1402 further includes forming a recess that extends down aportion of the length of slider 404, a height that extends vertically onslider 404, a width that extends laterally on slider 404, and the lengthof the recess is greater than the height and width of slider 404. Step1402 may include removing a portion of retention member by machining,extruding, shearing, cutting, drilling or any other type of processconfigured to remove material. In one embodiment step 1402 forms therecess in the same step as 1400 when slide surface and retention membersare formed.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design,the present invention may be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains.

What is claimed is:
 1. A track slider for engaging an endless track on asnowmobile, comprising: a slide surface having a slide surface width, afirst retention member coupled to the slide surface, and a secondretention member coupled to the slide surface, the second retentionmember located opposite a longitudinal centerline of the track sliderfrom the first retention member, a third retention member coupled to theslide surface, wherein the first retention member is spaced apartlongitudinally by at least one fourth of the slide surface width fromthe third retention member.
 2. The track slider of claim 1, wherein thethird retention member is located on the same side of the longitudinalcenterline as the first retention member.
 3. The track slider of claim2, further comprising a fourth retention member coupled to the slidesurface and the fourth retention member is spaced apart longitudinallyfrom the second retention member.
 4. The track slider of claim 3,wherein the fourth retention member is located on the same side of thelongitudinal centerline as the second retention member.
 5. The trackslider of claim 4, wherein the first retention member has a portion thatis longitudinally offset from the second retention member when viewedfrom the side.
 6. The track slider of claim 4, wherein the firstretention member substantially overlaps the second retention member whenviewed from the side.
 7. A track slider for engaging an endless track ona snowmobile, comprising: a slide surface having a slide surface lengthand a slide surface width, a first retention side being coupled to theslide surface and having a first cumulative retention length, and asecond retention side being coupled to the slide surface and having asecond cumulative retention length, wherein the first cumulativeretention length is shorter than the slide surface by at least the slidesurface width.
 8. The track slider of claim 7, wherein the firstcumulative retention length is within the range of 5-95% of the slidesurface length.
 9. The track slider of claim 8, wherein the firstcumulative retention length is within the range of 25-75% of the slidesurface length.
 10. The track slider of claim 9, wherein the firstcumulative retention length is within the range of 45-65% of the slidesurface length.
 11. The track slider of claim 7, wherein secondcumulative retention length is shorter than the slide surface length.12. The track slider of claim 11, wherein the second cumulativeretention length is within the range of 5-95% of the slide surfacelength.
 13. The track slider of claim 12, wherein the second cumulativeretention length is within the range of 25-75% of the slide surfacelength.
 14. The track slider of claim 13, wherein the second cumulativeretention length is within the range of 45-65% of the slide surfacelength.
 15. The track slider of claim 11, wherein the first cumulativeretention length is substantially equal to the second cumulativeretention length.
 16. The track slider of claim 11, wherein the firstcumulative retention length is different than the second cumulativeretention length.
 17. A track slider for engaging an endless track on asnowmobile, comprising: a slide surface having a slide surface lengthand a slide surface width configured to engage a track, a longitudinalcenterline of the track slider, and a plurality of retention memberscoupled to the slide surface and configured to couple the track sliderto a snowmobile rail, wherein the slide surface length is longer than acumulative length of the retention members by at least the slide surfacewidth.
 18. The track slider of claim 17, wherein the plurality ofretention members are longitudinally spaced apart.
 19. The track sliderof claim 18, wherein a first plurality of the retention members are on afirst side of the longitudinal centerline of the track slider and asecond plurality of the retention members are on a second side of thelongitudinal centerline.
 20. The track slider of claim 19, wherein thefirst plurality of retention members substantially overlaps the secondplurality of retention members when viewed from the side.
 21. The trackslider of claim 19, wherein the first plurality of retention memberspartially overlap the second plurality of retention members when viewedfrom the side.
 22. The track slider of claim 19, wherein the firstplurality of retention members are longitudinally offset from the secondplurality of retention members when viewed from the side.
 23. A methodof producing a track slider for a snowmobile, comprising: forming aslide surface and at least one retention member of the track slider;forming a recess in a portion of a retention member; and maintaining aconfiguration of the slide surface as formed during the forming step.24. The method of claim 23, wherein forming a recess in a portion of theretention member includes removing a first portion and removing a secondportion of the retention member in an overlapped arrangement when viewedfrom the side.
 25. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein forming a recessin a portion of the retention member includes removing a first portionand removing a second portion of the retention member in anon-overlapped arrangement when viewed from the side.
 26. The method ofclaim 23, wherein forming a recess in a portion of the retention memberincludes forming a recess having a length extending longitudinally, aheight extending vertically, and a width extending laterally, and thelength is greater than the height and the width.
 27. A track slider forengaging an endless track and a slide rail of a snowmobile, comprising:a first surface configured to engage the endless track having a width;and a second surface configured to engage the slide rail and including aplurality of retention portions having a generally vertical orientationrelative to the first surface and a plurality of recessed portionspositioned intermediate adjacent retention portions, wherein therecessed portions are located on a middle portion of the track slider.28. The track slider of claim 27, wherein a vertical height of therecessed portion is less than that of the retention portion.
 29. Thetrack slider of claim 27, wherein a cumulative longitudinal length ofthe plurality of retention portions plus a cumulative longitudinallength of the recessed portions is substantially equal to a length ofthe first surface.
 30. The track slider of claim 27, further comprisinga third surface configured to engage the slide rail and positionedlaterally opposite the second surface, and the third surface includes asecond plurality of retention portions having a generally verticalorientation relative to the first surface and a second plurality ofrecessed portions positioned intermediate adjacent retention portions ofthe second plurality of retention portions.
 31. The track slider ofclaim 30, wherein the second plurality of retention portions arelongitudinally offset from the first plurality of retention portions.32. A track slider for engaging an endless track and a slide rail of asnowmobile, comprising: a first surface configured to engage the endlesstrack; a second surface configured to engage the slide rail andextending between a lowermost surface and an upper most surface; and aplurality of recesses defined in the second surface intermediate thelowermost and uppermost surfaces of the second surface, and each of theplurality of recesses includes a length extending longitudinally, awidth extending laterally, and a height extending vertically, and thelength is at least as great as the height and the width.
 33. The trackslider of claim 32, wherein the recessed portion has an outermost edgecloser to a longitudinal centerline than the second surface.
 34. Thetrack slider of claim 32, wherein the recessed portion extends from thesecond surface to an inner surface of the retention portion.
 35. Thetrack slider of claim 34, wherein the recessed portion extends theentire width of the track slider.
 36. The track slider of claim 34,wherein the recessed portion extends to the upper most surface of thetrack slider.
 37. A track slider for engaging an endless track and aslide rail of a snowmobile, comprising: a first surface configured toengage the endless track, a second surface configured to engage theslide rail and including a retention portion having a generally verticalorientation relative to the first surface; and a third surface generallyparallel to the first surface and configured to engage the slide rail,the third surface including at least a first recessed portion positionedintermediate the third and first surface.
 38. The track slider of claim37, wherein the recessed portion is positioned intermediate the thirdsurface and a wear line indicator.
 39. The track slider of claim 37,wherein the recessed portion extends the entire length of the trackslider.
 40. The track slider of claim 37, further comprising a secondrecessed portion positioned intermediate the third and first surface.41. The track slider of claim 40, further comprising a third recessedportion positioned intermediate the third and first surface.